- I don't know anything about the Unreal Linux versions. There is mention on Unreal's site that they support multiple platforms whatever that means.
- I would go ahead and get the Steam version of CRYENGINE to at least learn it. I cannot imagine that much difference in the API between Linux and Windows since the main job of an engine is to abstract all that low level stuff into common interfaces. Ideally you would use their methods and objects and would be none the wiser as to which platform it was using under the hood.
A few comments
- Note that the 5% for Unreal 4 could become problematic for those wanting to release on Steam. That royalty combined with Steam's royalties could be enough to make your game less than profitable depending on your pricing structure and how well your game sells. Regardless this is much better than any deal currently put in place by Unity and frankly you are getting a much better product for your money that has proven itself time and time again in the marketplace. I can't even count how many games have been built on the Unreal platform in the last ten years but rest assured it is a bunch.
- I don't know if this also gives access to Scaleform which was added into Unreal and all the major engines when I was working with it in version 2 and 3. Since then Scaleform has been purchased by Autodesk and incorporated into something called Gameware. All of us figured Autodesk was going to refactor it and have been called many times and asked to assist with the refactoring of the codebase but we are always too busy with other work to take on any contracts. If it does give you access to Scaleform then keep in mind that Adobe now has a free Flash Express that allows you to develop Flash w/o purchasing their huge Adobe CS behemoth which isn't cheap. Scaleform is a godsend when creating UIs provided you can get the beast to perform like you want. Perhaps it does now after the refactor. Epic says you get full source so I can only assume this includes Scaleform within the system.
I would imagine you could but the problem would be that you would want to re-subscribe and get their latest to ensure major bugs were fixed. I would re-sync their latest, integrate with your final build and fix any issues. Run your game back through QA for some regression tests and then launch. The 5% will kick in when you reach the profit threshold. Clearly they intend to make their money off of the 5% royalties and the $19 / mo just covers other expenses, etc. I will likely go with Unreal 4 since my game ideas are more in line with what it targets. CRYENGINE appears to be geared towards outdoor environments whereas Unreal 4 does interiors extremely well. Also Unreal 4's global illumination model is simply astounding and looks amazing. They are both great, though. Choose which one suits your game the best. All it takes is one hit on Steam and you could almost fund your own studio. That sounds crazy I know but many have done just that.
